A well-printed book starts with a correctly supplied file. Supplying a print-ready PDF means: a PDF that meets exactly what the printing press needs, so that nothing goes wrong with colours, margins or fonts. Knowing what to look out for prevents delay and disappointment.
What is PDF/X?
PDF/X is a standardised PDF format specifically for print. It makes sure fonts are embedded, colours are set correctly and no elements are missing. That way you know for certain your file prints the way you intended.
PDF/X is an international standard, managed by ISO, specifically for graphic production. It excludes elements that cause problems in printing, such as RGB colours or missing fonts. You can read more about the standard at the PDF Association.
What do you look out for?
- Embedding fonts: so that text does not shift.
- Bleed: at least 3 mm all round for images that run off the page.
- Resolution: images at least 300 dpi at actual size.
- Colour: supply in CMYK, not in RGB.
- Separate files: book block and cover as separate PDFs.
Book block and cover
Supply the book block as a continuous PDF with all pages in order (including blank pages). The cover you supply separately, always as one spread including the spine: back, spine and front side by side. The spine width depends on your page count and paper. In doubt? We check your file before production.
Exporting from Word, InDesign or Canva
Every program has its own pitfall. From Word you export via Save as PDF and not via Print to PDF; that second route shrinks your pages and drops fonts. In InDesign you choose a PDF/X preset when exporting and set the bleed to 3 mm with the option to use the document bleed. Canva exports neatly if you choose PDF Print and tick the box for crop marks and bleed.
After exporting, always check the result, not your source file. Open the PDF, page through it completely and check that the page order is right, that no blank pages have crept in and that all images are still there. What you see in the PDF is what gets printed.
Why PDF/X is the safest option
PDF/X is a slimmed-down variant of PDF that forbids everything that can go wrong at the printer. Fonts have to be embedded, colours have to be defined, and there must be no transparency effects that turn out differently on one machine than on another. What remains is a file that behaves the same everywhere.
If that gives you an error message when exporting, that is good news: your program is telling you now what is wrong, instead of us discovering it later on the press. If you cannot work it out, simply send your file in. Our file check looks at it free of charge and reports exactly what needs adjusting.
Frequently asked questions about supplying a print-ready PDF
Can I supply a Word file?
Better not. Convert your document to a print-ready PDF first, so that layout and fonts stay as you intended them.
What exactly is bleed?
Bleed is 3 mm of extra image all round that is trimmed away after cutting. It prevents white edges when an image runs to the edge.
What if my PDF is not print-ready?
We check your file before production and get in touch if something is not right. That way you avoid surprises.
May I supply one PDF with cover and book block together?
Preferably not. The cover is printed on different paper and as one continuous surface, the book block as separate pages. Two separate files prevent confusion and save a correction round.
What if my program cannot create PDF/X?
An ordinary PDF with embedded fonts, CMYK images and 3 mm bleed is usually fine too. Send it in and we will check whether it is print-ready before anything is printed.